The mission of the Bonner Leaders Program at Wagner College is grounded in civic engagement and college access initiatives, providing students with opportunities to get involved within campus, Staten Island, and New York City. Participants commit to civic engagement work, skill development and reflection based seminars, and service trips each year. Grounded by the national Bonner Foundation’s mission, which seeks to provide students with “access to education and an opportunity to serve.” Both at Wagner and across the consortium students are guided in ethics for service, models of curricular alignment, financial support, and an opportunity to participate in an intensive cohort experience. The first cohort of Bonner Leaders at Wagner was formed in the Fall of 2013.
The Bonner Leaders program at Wagner combines academic coursework with internship
experiences and co-curricular educational opportunities. Bonner Leaders (beginning
with the class of 2023) will complete the Civic Engagement Minor *. Courses within the
Civic Engagement Minor provide Bonners the opportunity to reflect on their service
experiences and stay informed about the complexities of community engagement,
social justice issues, and nonprofit leadership. Additionally, Bonner Seminars support
the cohorts in reflection and development of their work.
*Students whose academic or other co curricular obligations present scheduling challenges in doing so (such as PA, Nursing, Education) will be supported in completing tutorials to complete the minor, or may petition the advisor to opt out.
BONNER LEADERS PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS
The program adopted the motto “access to education, opportunity to serve” as its guiding principle.
Wagner Bonner Leaders receive compensation to help them financially complete a four-
year undergraduate degree while gaining experience and knowledge through service-
based learning in the local community. The Bonner Leaders Program is designed to
provide academic support, financial assistance, and enrichment activities. Each Bonner
Leader receives compensation for their service, dispersed monthly through Wagner
payroll, to help students subsidize costs of tuition and to encourage their continued
efforts to make a positive impact. Each Bonner Leader serves as an ambassador of the
Wagner College Bonner Leaders Program, Wagner College, and the Bonner Foundation.
Therefore, Bonners are expected to reflect exemplary work ethic, behavior, and
attitude.
TRAINING AND ENRICHMENT
In addition to direct service, the courses and educational opportunities
associated with the Bonner Program are integral to their experience. Courses
within the Civic Engagement Minor provide Bonners the opportunity to reflect
on their service experiences and stay informed about the complexities of
community engagement, social justice issues, and nonprofit leadership. Wagner
Bonner Leaders are required to complete a minimum of the following classes
and experiences:
• Weekly Cohort Classes
• Monthly All Bonner Classes
• First Year Bonner Retreat
• Sophomore Exchange
• Senior Capstone
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